Oklahoma State basketball: Markel Brown made himself a better ballplayer

Markel Brown hung in the air at the rim, then snatched a pass, spun midflight and completed a throw-down jam against Baylor to add to his already bloated personal highlight package.

Oklahoma State's Markel Brown (22) looks to pass around Texas Tech's Dusty Hannahs (2) during a men's college basketball game between Oklahoma State University (OSU) and Texas Tech at Gallagher-Iba Arena in Stillwater, Okla., Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

Asked postgame where his latest dunk might wind up on SportsCenter's Top 10 Plays — where he was a regular a year ago — Brown kind of shrugged it off.

“Probably No. 10,” he said, “they haven't been messing with me this year.”

Truth is, Brown isn't messing as much with the dunks, either.

Oh, it's still a part of his repertoire. Yet only a part.

Once known almost exclusively as a leaper and explosive dunker, the Oklahoma State junior has grown his game to feature more layers, including a perimeter shot developed during a summer in the gym devoted to building a better all-around player.

A player now worthy of All-Big 12 recognition.

“That's what I've been so proud about with Markel,” said Cowboys coach Travis Ford. “I think he's one of the better players in this league. He's just improved every year and improved on a different aspect of his game every year. He's worked hard on his jump shot.

“And it's been fun to watch.”

It's back to work for Brown and the No. 14 Cowboys, who make their maiden Big 12 visit to West Virginia on Saturday, looking to regain momentum following Wednesday's loss to Kansas. Tip time is 1 p.m.

And who better than Brown to spark a recovery. Twice this season — at Kansas and at Texas Tech — he hit a career-high mark with seven made 3-pointers to jumpstart road wins.

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